Written question asked by Barbara Roche (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 27 January 2005. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Thursday, 27 January 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what training in sexuality issues his Department provides to officials who handle asylum applications based on persecution on the grounds of sexual orientation.

Answer: Mrs. Roche: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training in sexuality issues his Department provides to officials who handle asylum applications based on persecution on the grounds of sexual orientation. [210709] Mr. Browne: Asylum caseworkers undergo extensive training in the assessment of asylum claims made under the 1951 convention relating to the status of refugees. This includes training in the interpretation of the five convention reasons, and specifically the definition of "membership of a particular social group", which is relevant to many claims involving sexual orientation. Guidance on "Membership of a Particular Social Group" and instructions on "Assessing the Claim" are available to caseworkers in the form of the asylum policy instructions, which are published on the Home Office website.

Secondary information